Yet the new members have much to do to improve their clunky administrative machinery.

ECONOMIST: The European Union's new members

If the government does pull through, distribution of food grains through the administrative machinery also presents a momentous task.

WSJ: India Cabinet Clears Food-Security Bill

In its preliminary report published on September 3rd, the council proposed squeezing the administrative machinery into 12 ministries and agencies, plus a more powerful cabinet office.

ECONOMIST: Japan: Fat government, slim hopes | The